DIONE - 500 Series VCA Bus Compressor with Digital Recall and DAW Automation

DIONE is a high-end analogue VCA bus compressor that captures the legendary sound of classic mixbus compression, widely known as the industry-standard “mixbus glue.” Designed with 100% analogue circuitry and digitally controlled precision, DIONE delivers warm, transparent, and punchy dynamics-now with plugin control, total recall, and automation for seamless integration into modern hybrid studios.

Analogue Character. Digital Precision.

Powered by THAT 2181 VCAs in both the signal and sidechain paths, DIONE provides +24dBu of headroom and a fully balanced analogue signal path. The unit supports full plugin control via VST3, AU, AAX, and AAX DSP, with automation features and total recall via USB or ng500-compatible TITAN chassis.

Key Features

100% analogue signal path with digitally controlled parameters
+24dBu of headroom for pristine dynamic processing
Parallel compression made easy via dedicated MIX knob
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) circuit with Medium and High saturation modes for analogue colour
Sidechain filters: 3 high-pass filters (60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz) and 2 tilt filters (T1, T2)
Four ratio settings: 1.5:1, 2:1 (gentle), 4:1, 10:1 (aggressive)
DAW-controlled automation with 3 touch-sensitive encoders (Threshold, Mix, Make-Up Gain)
Digital sidechain input from any DAW track
True bypass and integrated A/B comparison function
Analogue gain reduction meter with matching plug-in simulation
Firmware and plugin updates included

Hybrid-Ready for Modern Studios

DIONE is fully compatible with both the 500 Series and the ng500 standard, including full integration with the TITAN chassis. Whether you’re using it as a standalone unit or as part of a larger modular system, DIONE offers the perfect blend of analogue warmth and digital workflow efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)
THD+N (Wet): 0.008% @ 1kHz, 0dBu
THD+N (Dry): 0.004% @ 1kHz, 0dBu
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Output Impedance: <100Ω
Maximum Gain: 21dB
Crosstalk: <-90dB
Attack Times: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 ms
Release Times: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 s, Auto
Ratio Settings: 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1
SC Filters: 60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz, T1, T2
THD (Medium): 1%
THD (High): 4%
Power Consumption: 70mA @ +16V / 50mA @ -16V per slot

Perfect For:

Mix and mastering engineers needing reliable VCA-style bus compression
Producers working in hybrid analogue/digital environments
Studios seeking total recall and plugin integration for analogue gear

Experience Analogue Compression with Total Control

DIONE redefines what a stereo bus compressor can do-offering the classic sound professionals love, with the power of digital control, recall, and automation. Whether you’re gluing your mix together or adding punch and character, DIONE delivers world-class results with modern workflow enhancements.